Canada Mayflower, False Lily-of-the-valley

The short, often zigzag stem has a small, dense, cluster of tiny, white, star-shaped flowers at its top and 1-3 ovate leaves. A low plant, only 3-6 in. tall, false lily-of-the-valley blankets woodlands with its two shiny, oval leaves. In bloom, tiny, white flowers are held in upright clusters on separate, delicate stems. The fruit is a small, pale red berry. The Latin name, Maianthemum, means May blossom - an appropriate name because the plant flowers in May.

This common forest herb spreads by rhizomes and frequently forms carpet-like colonies. An unusual member of the Lily Family, it has only 2 petals, 2 sepals, and 4 stamens instead of the usual 3-3-6 pattern. A somewhat similar plant, Three-leaved Solomons Seal (Maianthemum trifolium), usually has 3 elliptic leaves which taper at the base and white floral parts in a 6-pointed, star-like pattern. It is found in wet, boggy, or mossy areas from New Jersey west to Minnesota and north into Canada.

Benefit

Use Medicinal:In folklore, the root may have been used as a good luck charm. Native Americans are reported to have used the plant for headache and sore throats (Andy Fyon) Conspicuous Flowers: yesAttracts: Birds

Propagation

Description:In the fall, after leaves have yellowed, divide the rhizomes into 2 in. pieces. Set 6 in. apart, 1/2 in. deep, and mulch. To propagate by seed, collect the fruits in summer, separate the pulp and plant immediately outdoors, 1/3 in. deep. Seed Collection: Not Available Seed Treatment: Not Available Commercially Avail: yes